If the miles fit, a nice way to start the trip is via AKL. That way you can stay in the Grand Chancellor Hotel (free shuttle and 1000 QF FF points for about $100), transit through AKL (<24 hrs) and avoid the tax, have a go at a three class 744 sold as 2 class (ie turn left upon entering), then go about your business in the land of the security check and rubber glove.

I'd opt for a WHY award fare in the US and save the pleasure of D class for the long hauls. Eg: WHY DFW-ORD-DFW. You could get that as an AA award for 20,000 QF FF points (you'll earn more than this on the trip anyway). That's good value for money compared to SYD-MEL-SYD for the same price!

BNE-AKL-LAX-DFW-YVR-HKG-BNE = 21618 miles. Travel via CNS is only a few miles more.

Planning the trip is almost as good as doing it.